City breaks for museum trips can be tricky with younger children and toddlers, but a foodie destination can be perfect for the whole family, especially for parents with transportable babies who can sleep during long lunches. Older kids can try some adventurous cuisines and teens will be impressed by a bustling food and cultural scene (and the chance for an Instagram-worthy dish).
Historically, the masses have flocked to big cities like Rome or Paris for their long-standing notability in the food department. Now, there are all kinds of unique cuisines available globally to attract tourists, from experimental pop-up eateries to street food trucks, as well as the traditional Michelin-starred restaurants.
If you’re looking for a little more than sand and sea on your next vacation, you might be tempted by an exciting break in one of these hot foodie destinations.
Lisbon
From the Mercado da Ribeira food market to the best seafood ceviche at A Cevecheria, the city has plenty to offer foodie visitors who have been drawn to big name restaurants such as Leonetta and Rosamar in Príncipe Real. This great value city is popping up with new-wave Portuguese cuisine as well as traditional Bacalhau (salted cod). And of course, Pastel de Natas!
Find out more about where to stay in Lisbon with kids for your foodie vacation.
Stay at… The Rua Tomas Residence
Sicily
Visitors have been traveling to Italy for its exceptional food for years, and not just for the famous pizza, pasta and gelato. Historically, this poor region of Italy made use of basic ingredients like vegetables and grains, so you can expect the very best version of pasta e fagioli (bean pasta), caponata (fried eggplant) and arancini (rice balls) you’ll ever taste.
Sicily is making waves thanks to the open air food markets in Palermo and fabulous seafood available at the coastal towns. And for dessert, the region’s most-famous pastry dish, cannoli!
Stay at… The Noto Residence
Ibiza
Once a haven for nightlife-lovers, the food scene in Ibiza is quickly becoming known for its thriving farm-to-fork concept. The island has a global cuisine with offerings to suit all tastes, day or night. Try a breakfast smoothie on the beach at Passion, a farm-to-table staple Paloma for lunch, or a chic dinner at Maine on Las Salinas.
Read more of our recommendations for where to eat in Ibiza with kids.
Stay at… The Santa G Residence
Copenhagen
Noma put Copenhagen on the map as a foodie destination, and it’s still a must-visit for anyone keen to visit some the world’s best restaurants. Smørrebrød (rye bread with various toppings) and the coffee culture are both vital parts of the food scene here too.
First-time visitors should be aware that food and drink is notoriously expensive in Copenhagen, so start saving.
Stay at… The Madvigs Alle Residence
Portland
Oregon’s hipster culture is creating a thriving food scene with craft breweries, micro-roastery coffee joints, food carts and world-class restaurants – to suit all budgets. Since 2012, Portland has celebrated its local farmers, suppliers and eateries with the annual Feast Portland food festival each September.
Don’t miss Portland Mercado, the city’s first Latin American public market and Voodoo Donuts, perhaps the city’s most famous food export.
Stay at… The Hawthorn Residence
San Francisco
An oldie but still a goodie! Tasting the Clam Chowder at Pier 39 has got to be on every foodie tourist’s bucket list, together with breakfast at Sears. But there’s also the contemporary food stalls at The Ferry Building to explore, as well as the Asian cuisine in Chinatown and the countless bakeries around the city with the legendary San Francisco sourdough.
Add extra days to your stay and make sure you take a trip out of the city to the impressive wineries and vineyards of Napa, Sonoma and the surrounding wine regions.
Stay at… The Jackson Street Residence
Cornwall
The must-visit place for foodies visiting the UK, especially if you’re into fish and seafood. Notable chef Rick Stein has a few outposts here (including his famous fish-and-chip shop on the beach in Padstow), as does Nathan Outlaw, both of whom are known internationally for their expertise in fish. Chef Paul Ainsworth has The Mariners in Rock, as well as No.6 in Padstow, and the Green Michelin Star awarded New Yard is one of the county’s most exciting and innovative restaurants.
Spend a day in Falmouth for a mix of independent coffee shops, interesting new eateries plus family-friendly pizzerias and cake stores.
Stay at… The Churchtown Residence
Vietnam
Pho might be Vietnam’s most famous dish, but tourists flock to this foodie destination to experience the exciting street food culture here, where bustling restaurants grill outdoors right on the street and food carts pop up around the roadside. With daily fresh cooking, heaps of herbs and vegetables, plus loads of naturally vegan and vegetarian options, it’s the kind of cuisine that feels super contemporary despite its roots steeped in Asian traditions.